Middlesbrough face another tough test later this week when they take on Watford in a Championship clash.
After what was an underwhelming start to 2024/25, Boro have turned their season around in the space of just a few days.
Middlesbrough beat Stoke City 2-0 at the Riverside Stadium this past Saturday, getting some much-needed payback after the Potters thumped them 5-0 in the second round of the Carabao Cup back in August.
The Teessiders then faced one of their toughest tests of the season so far on Tuesday. But thanks to another wonder goal from Hayden Hackney, Middlesbrough beat West Bromwich Albion 1-0.
The North East outfit have now moved up to sixth in the Championship table for the first time this campaign.
| Position | Team | Played MP | Won W | Drawn D | Lost L | For GF | Against GA | Diff GD | Points Pts |
| 4 |  LeedsLeeds | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 13 | 5 | 8 | 15 |
| 5 |  BlackburnBlackburn | 8 | 4 | 3 | 1 | 14 | 9 | 5 | 15 |
| 6 |  MiddlesbroughMiddlesbrough | 8 | 4 | 2 | 2 | 9 | 5 | 4 | 14 |
| 7 |  Sheff UtdSheffield Utd | 7 | 4 | 3 | 0 | 9 | 3 | 6 | 13 |
However, Michael Carrick and co. could drop out of the play-off places if Sheffield United or their upcoming opponents, Watford, win their game in hand.
It is expected to be another tight game at Vicarage Road and one Middlesbrough player is likely to miss the game.
- READ MORE: How Middlesbrough really feel about selling Hayden Hackney amid Aston Villa transfer interest
Michael Carrick provides Marcus Forss fitness update ahead of Watford vs Middlesbrough
Marcus Forss suffered a serious muscular injury in March earlier this year and has been on the sidelines since.
The Finn missed Boro’s pre-season schedule and the start of the 2024/25 Championship campaign.
Forss did return to the bench for Middlesbrough’s win over West Brom, suggesting he was ready to play again.
However, as per the Northern Echo, Carrick has now confirmed that the 25-year-old is still not ready to compete.
He said: “It’s been a long time for him (Forss). I’ll be honest, and Marcus knows this, he’s not really ready to play just yet.
“We wanted him back in and around the group but he needs minutes. How he gets the minutes is to be determined. Whether it’s been with the (Under) 21s, training games or whatever.
“So, there is a little bit to go on Marcus, but it was still fantastic to have him back. He’s trained really well and it was great to have him.”
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Does Marcus Forss have a future at Middlesbrough
When Forss, who Carrick previously called ‘terrific’, does eventually get back up to speed, it is hard to see where he fits into this Middlesbrough team.
The former Brentford ace has largely been used on the right wing or as a centre-forward during his time on Teesside.
But Forss is unlikely to see much action ahead of Emmanuel Latte Lath or Tommy Conway up front.
On the right, meanwhile, Carrick already has a plethora of quality options at his disposal.
Ben Doak wowed for Middlesbrough vs West Brom and though he has only started two games since his move from Liverpool, the 18-year-old already looks pretty undroppable.
Behind Doak, summer signing Micah Hamilton will need to be given a chance in the team at some point if he is to continue developing as a player while long-time servant Isaiah Jones is another option.
Forss did score seven in 21 Championship games last term but minutes are expected to be a lot harder to come by for the player in 2024/25.